KOSTA BODA
Kosta, the parent glassworks of Kosta Boda and the oldest glassworks in Sweden that is still in operation, has a fascinating history that forms a valuable part of our Swedish cultural heritage. The glassworks was founded in 1742 by the governors of the counties of Kronoberg and Kalmar, Anders Koskull and Georg Bogislaus Stael von Holstein, both former generals in the army of Karl XII and distinguished veterans of the battle of Narva, among others.
Until the end of the nineteenth century the glass from Kosta was designed by the glassblowers themselves. At the Stockholm exhibition in 1897 the glassworks was criticized for the uniformity of its glass, which led to the idea of enlisting designers and artists in production. The first designer to be employed by Kosta was Gunnar G:son Wennerberg. The year was 1898. Ever since then a large number of artists and designers have enriched the glassmaking tradition of the works with their artistic talents. Today, Kosta Boda has a unique right to describe itself as an art industry, in which designers and craftsmen work closely together in the ongoing development of handmade utility glass and art glass. This diversity of individual artistic expression and the free and uninhibited creative process have become the distinguishing characteristics of the Kosta Boda brand.
In addition to the parent works in Kosta, Kosta Boda today includes the two ”daughter works” of Boda (founded in 1864) and Åfors (founded in 1876); a partnership that was formed in 1964. Both Boda and Åfors were originally relatively simple glassworks that manufactured utility glass. Boda experienced a period of glory in the 1960s and 1970s, under the innovative and dynamic artistic leadership of Erik Höglund, a heritage that is now carried on by Kjell Engman and Monica Backström. Åfors has been the home of the designer couple Ulrica Hydman-Vallien and Bertil Vallien, who, together with Gunnel Sahlin and now also Olle Brozén, have brought a renaissance to the small glassworks and local community. In 1990 Kosta was acquired by its former competitor Orrefors.
Today, several designers have firm ties with Kosta Boda: Anna Ehrner, Göran Wärff, Kjell Engman, Ulrica Hydman-Vallien, Bertil Vallien and Olle Brozén. Colorful, handmade art glass from the works in Kosta, Boda and Åfors have made Kosta Boda one of Sweden’s strongest brands, and one of the world’s leading glass companies. Glass from Kosta Boda is sold all over the world. Roughly 50 percent of production is sold outside Scandinavia, with some of its biggest markets in the US, Japan, Germany and Australia. The origins of this glass, the living tradition of craftsmanship developed in the glassworks in Kosta, Boda and Åfors, is a heritage that every Swede has a right to feel proud of. from
http://www.kostaboda.com/
NORITAKE
Since 1904, Noritake has been bringing beauty and quality to dinner tables around the world. Superior artistry and craftsmanship, attention to detail and uncompromising commitment to quality have made Noritake an international trademark during this past century.
The Noritake of today grew out of a trading company that was originally established by the Morimura Brothers in New York in 1876. This trading company imported chinaware, curios, paper lanterns and other gift items. In 1904, the forerunner of the Noritake Company was established in the village of Noritake, a small suburb near Nagoya, Japan. The goal of this first factory was to create western style dinnerware for export. It took until 1914, however, to create the first porcelain dinnerware plate that was suitable for export.
The earliest dinnerware plates were mostly hand-painted, often with liberal applications of gold. By the early 1920's, Noritake introduced assembly line techniques which allowed for mass production of high quality, yet affordable dinnerware. In the ensuing decades, Noritake continued to perfect it's production capabilities and expand to markets world-wide.
Today, Noritake is an acknowledged leader in tableware manufacturing and marketing with subsidiaries, factories and affiliates around the world. Our products are sold to customers in over 100 countries and are used in hotels, restaurants and airlines throughout the world. Join us in continuing the Noritake tradition... distinctive designs, innovative technology and superior product quality.from
http://www.noritake.com/
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